Most foreign founders end up with a Thai private limited company. What you need to decide first is ownership. If foreigners will hold 50% or more and you sell services in Thailand, you need an exemption: a Foreign Business Licence, BOI promotion or, for Americans, the Treaty of Amity. Start with whichever question you have now.
Start here#
- How to register a company in Thailand: steps, documents and the flat 5,900 THB in government fees.
- Foreign Business Act ownership rules: what foreigners can own and what counts as a nominee.
Getting to 100% foreign ownership#
- Foreign Business Licence (FBL): the discretionary licence, 3M THB in capital and a 60-day decision.
- BOI promotion: tax holidays and foreign ownership for qualifying activities.
- US-Thai Treaty of Amity: for US citizens and US companies.
Running and ending the company#
- Open a business bank account
- Representative office vs branch vs subsidiary
- Close a company: dissolution and liquidation
Which route fits?#
| Your situation | Usual route |
|---|---|
| Thai partner holds 51% or more, any activity outside List 1 | Plain Thai company |
| Foreign-majority, manufacturing or export of goods | Often no licence needed; check the lists |
| Foreign-majority, services to Thai customers | FBL, BOI or Treaty |
| Software, R&D or a targeted industry | BOI first |
| US-majority owners | Treaty of Amity |
| Market testing only, no revenue in Thailand | Representative office |
What changed in 2026#
| Date | Change | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul 2026 | New companies can be registered online only, through DBD Biz Regist. Walk-in paper filing for new companies has ended | Register a company |
| 22 Jul 2026 | The US International Trade Administration fee for Treaty of Amity certification rose to USD 300 (USD 375 expedited) | Treaty of Amity |
| 28 Aug 2026 | Two Ministerial Regulations took certain intra-group services (admin, HR, IT support, treasury, guarantees) out of the FBL requirement | Foreign Business Act |
| 2025–2026 | Banks tightened due diligence for new corporate accounts, so book an appointment rather than walking in | Bank account |
Typical government costs and timelines#
| Route | Government fees | Minimum capital | Decision time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai-majority company | About 5,900 THB, flat since 2021, including stamp duty | No legal minimum (banks and the DBD expect it to be realistic) | 1–3 days once filed |
| FBL (List 3) | 2,000 application + 0.5% of capital (20,000–250,000 THB) | 3M THB | 60 days from a complete file |
| BOI promotion | See the BOI guide | 1M THB investment (excluding land and working capital); higher for some activities | Acceptance within 1 month; certificate within 10 working days |
| Treaty of Amity | USD 300 (US) + DBD fees | Usually 3M THB per certified List-3 activity (2M if not on a List) | Up to 30 days at the DBD |
Professional fees vary widely. Each guide gives published ranges and a worked cost example.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Thai company?
Yes, if the activity is not restricted by the Foreign Business Act or the company holds an FBL, BOI promotion or Treaty status.
How long does registration take?
The DBD registers a complete online filing in 1 to 3 days. Allow 2 to 4 weeks overall for documents, the name reservation and the bank account.
Do I still need a Thai nominee shareholder?
Using a nominee to hide foreign control is a criminal offence under the Foreign Business Act, and enforcement increased in 2025–2026. Use an FBL, BOI or the Treaty instead. See Foreign Business Act rules.
Can I register before I arrive in Thailand?
Online filing helps, but directors still need to verify their identity, and banks require signatories in person.
